Barilla would never use a gay family in ads: Pasta boss

in: http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2013/09/26/21153561.html

Guido Barilla, chairman of the world's leading pasta manufacturer, prompted calls for a consumer boycott on Thursday after telling Italian radio his company would never use a gay family in its advertising.

"I would never do (a commercial) with a homosexual family, not for lack of respect but because we don't agree with them. Ours is a classic family where the woman plays a fundamental role," Barilla, 55, said in an interview with Radio 24 on Wednesday.

Barilla - one of the best known pasta brands around the world - is one of Italy's biggest advertisers, and for many years has used the image of a happy family living in an idealized version of the Italian countryside, with the slogan: "Where there's Barilla, there's home".

In the interview, Barilla said he opposed adoption by gay parents, but was in favour of allowing gay marriage, which is not legal in Italy. His comment about advertising was in response to a direct question about whether he would ever feature a gay family in his company's commercials.

If gays "like our pasta and our advertising, they'll eat our pasta, if they don't like it then they will not eat it and they will eat another brand," he said.

Aurelio Mancuso, head of gay rights group Equality Italia, said Barilla's comments were an "offensive provocation" and called for a boycott of the company's pasta, sauces and snacks.

"We accept the invitation from the Barilla owner to not eat his pasta," Mancuso said. Many Italians used social media to voice support for a boycott.

Alessandro Zan, a gay member of parliament, said on Twitter: "You can't mess around with consumers, including gay ones."

Barilla issued a statement on Thursday apologising, explaining that he was trying to say "simply that the woman plays a central role in a family."

"Barilla features families in its commercials because it embraces anyone, and they have always been identified with our brand," he said.

Spanish film star Antonio Banderas features in the latest publicity campaign for Barilla's Mulino Bianco cookies and breakfast cakes. They feature him baking biscuits with children and talking to a chicken called Rosita.

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2013/09/26/21153561.html

Activists paint rainbow crosswalk at Russian embassy in Sweden

in: http://www.cbc.ca/newsblogs/yourcommunity/2013/08/activists-paint-rainbow-crosswalk-at-russian-embassy-in-sweden.html

Övergångsstället vid ryska ambassaden är nymålat. #gilla

LGBT activists in Sweden are letting the Russian government know exactly how they feel about Vladmir Putin's controversial new anti "gay propaganda" legislation in a way that is simple and peaceful but vibrantly proud.

Swedish newspaper The Local reports that protesters gathered outside of the Russian embassy in Stockholm this weekend to paint over a traditional black and white "zebra" crosswalk with a rainbow of colours.

Utanför ryska ambassaden.
 pic.twitter.com/x3PmchzywX

On Saturday, a group of naked men are reported to have marched back and forth across the rainbow crossing outside the embassy while supporters called on others to boycott the World Athletics Championships which began this weekend in Moscow.

 

“We have no case file on it but it will probably be classified as vandalism or a violation of traffic regulations,” said Ulf Lindgren of the Stockholm Police to Swedish language paper Dagens Nyheter.

 "There's a risk it can create danger for those using the crossing as they should look a certain way. It's confusing if they are different," added Lundgren.

He noted that it is not the police department's responsibility to restore the sidewalk to its regular pattern, but as of Tuesday morning it appears as though someone had arranged for this to be done.

  

Nu tvättas regnbågen bort från övergångsstället vid ryska ambassaden. pic.twitter.com/IN5CH85s3Y

 Nu tvättar de bort regnbågsövergångsstället utanför ryska ambassaden :( foto @UlrikaBy instagram.com/p/c8seB2mjtb/



The colourful crosswalk may have been short lived, but it served as a powerful symbol for Stockholm's LGBT community, which celebrated its annual Pride festival earlier this month.

 Spreading some #gay propaganda outside of the #Russian embassy in Stockholm. http://pic.twitter.com/lQPbv0f4WL



Russia's announcement of a new law cracking down on gay rights activism during the 2014 Olympics in Sochi has sparked international debate over participation in the forthcoming games.

In the wake of this intended crackdown, the Russian embassy in Stockholm has been the target of a series of pro-LGBT rights demonstrations.




Outside Russian embassy, #stockholm demonstration in support of #LGBT rights #sthlmpride2013 #russia http://pic.twitter.com/umkMArWFlO

Standing up against the Putins so called morals. Outside the russian Embassy in Stockholm! #russia #gay #LGBT http://pic.twitter.com/QsyeHVgS1G

Gay pride rally outside of Russian Embassy in Stockholm this morning http://pic.twitter.com/wELTFzCUaV via @claesnyberg #sthlmpride

Before it could be washed away, passersby took photos of the rainbow crosswalk to voice their support on Instagram and Twitter.

Rainbow crosswalk outside the #Russian Embassy in #Stockholm. #Equalrights for all

Snyggt övergångställe utanför #Ryska #Ambassaden

 "Neat crosswalk outside the Russian Embassy," reads the caption above, and below "Hey Russian Ambassador, what has anybody done to you?"




Hej ryska ambassaden vad fint någon gjort hos er ❤️




Civil olydnad får tumme upp. Övergångsstället utanför ryska ambassaden.

 "Thumbs up for Civil disobedience. Crosswalk outside Russian Embassy." reads the caption above. Below, "Outside the Russian embassy right now. Apparently they made this last night."


 
Utanför ryska ambassaden just nu. Applåderar de som gjorde detta inatt #hbtq #lgbt #pride #antigayolympics



 And while the rainbow crosswalk in Stockholm wasn't the first of its kind, it won't be the last either.

Australian LGBT protesters also took to sidewalks outside of the Russian embassy in Sydney this weekend with colourful chalk in a similar fashion.


A beautiful day for chalking! The @DIYrainbows crew outside the Russian Embassy in Woollahra today: http://pic.twitter.com/7Y9M3xh5cc


The #DIYRainbow movement spread beyond Sydney through much of Australia.


And a similar work was spotted in Utrecht, Holland, where this photo was taken, and later posted in response to a photo of the Swedish crosswalk on Street Art Utopia's Facebook page.
 
Cobuz Okhuijsen's Photos | Facebook



 Others are protesting Russia's law in more traditional ways at embassies in Chile...
 
Chile: Volunteers from LGBT-rights org. @IgualesChile decry Russian homophobia outside Russian embassy http://pic.twitter.com/1q7HZtn3Nj via @ahsoffia


Turkey...


Pride march attacked in Russia, sign in Istanbul at the Russian embassy: "Don't worry, homophobia can be cured." http://pic.twitter.com/EPu5u0eLqn



 Scotland...
 
Wee @LGBTScotland afternoon protest for LGBT equality at the Russian Embassy @alchemister @FireCrow69 http://pic.twitter.com/VM2F2Tmi7i

Israel...

"Berlin36 Moscow13" #TelAviv activists protest homophobia in front of Embassy of #Russia #LGBT 972mag.com/tel-aviv-activ… http://pic.twitter.com/QDUCm8OvaJ

And of course, in Canada, where permanent rainbow-coloured crosswalks were installed in downtown Vancouver's west end during the city's Pride Week celebrations earlier this summer.

Rainbow crosswalks show off Vancouver's pride

http://www.cbc.ca/newsblogs/yourcommunity/2013/08/activists-paint-rainbow-crosswalk-at-russian-embassy-in-sweden.html

The Queen: Monarch of 12 countries where being gay can land you in prison

in: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/08/16/the-queen-monarch-of-12-countries-where-being-gay-can-land-you-in-prison/


While the anti-gay laws in Russia have garnered a lot of International attention in recent weeks, it is still legal to be gay in the country. However, in other parts of the world, where The Queen is Head of State, gay people can be jailed for same-sex activity.

Queen Elizabeth II is Queen of three nation states where same-sex marriage is legal, England and Wales, Canada and New Zealand. However in the majority of the countries where The Queen is the constitutional Monarch, there are no legal protections in place to protect LGBT people at all.

Although The Queen has no role in the development of laws, the Commonwealth Realms are the closet power relationships that she has in the world.

These 12 countries are listed below:-


Antigua and Barbuda

In Antigua and Barbuda same sex activity is illegal for both gay men and lesbian women. Two consenting adults found guilty of the offence can face up to 15 years in prison and no legal protections exist to protect those who are LGBT.


Barbados

Although the law is rarely enforced, people in Barbados found guilty of same-sex activity can face up to life imprisonment. Homophobia is rife in the country and in recent days a newspaper columnist from the country claimed that “AIDS a punishment” for those that are homosexual. 


Belize

Same-sex activity has been illegal in Belize since 2003 and those found guilty can face up to 10 years in prison. Despite the fact Belize has faced pressure from the United States to change the law the Prime Minister has remained adamant that gay sex should remain a criminal offence. Earlier this year a case that was brought in 2010 made it to the Supreme Court with British former attorney general, Lord Goldsmith among a team who argued for an overturn of the law.


Grenada

In Grenada male homosexuality is a crime and those found guilty can face up to 10 years in prison. While female homosexuality isn’t illegal in the country, no legal rights exist for lesbians.


Jamaica

Same sex activity is illegal in Jamaica for both men and women and those found guilty can face up to 10 years in prison. Jamaica has been described as one of the most homophobic places on earth. PinkNews.co.uk has reported numerous stories out of Jamaica that show endemic homophobia in all areas of society. Recently, a transgender teenager was murdered and it was later revealed the victim suffered abuse at school and from their parents.


Papua New Guinea

Male homosexuality is illegal in Papua New Guinea with those found guilty of partaking in sodomy facing up to 14 years in prison. Although the law is rarely enforced, LGBT people face widespread social stigma and isolation from the rest of society. The AIDS epidemic which has exploded in Papua New Guinea in the past few years has been in part blamed on the homophobic laws and the homophobia in society.


Saint Kitts and Nevis

It is illegal for gay men to have sex in Saint Kitts and Nevis where those found guilty can face up 10 years in prison. No one has ever been jailed under the law but there are no plans for the law to be overturned. A gay cruise ship was banned from docking on the islands in 2005.


Saint Lucia

Males homosexuality is illegal on the island of Saint Lucia with those founds guilty facing up to 10 years in prison. It was the only country in the Americas to formally oppose the United Nations declaration on sexual orientation and gender identity.


Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Same-sex activity in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is illegal with those found guilty facing up to 5 years in prison. Those found guilty of anal sex can face up to 10 years in prison. The law is said to be rarely enforced the country.


The Solomon Islands

Those found guilty of partaking in same-sex activity on The Solomon Islands can face up to 14 years in prison. People who attempt to engage in anal sex can face up to 7 years in prison. Attempts to reform the law were made in 2008 but the plans were met with strong opposition and in 2011 the country informed the United Nations that they would not seek to decriminalise same-sex behaviour.


Tuvalu

Male homosexuality is illegal in Tuvalu with those found guilty facing up to 14 years in prison. Female homosexuality is legal but no legal protections or recognition exist for lesbians in the country. The law states that no person shall “commit buggery with another person or with an animal.” The country also makes it illegal for a man to have sexual intercourse with a “female idiot or imbecile woman”.


http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/08/16/the-queen-monarch-of-12-countries-where-being-gay-can-land-you-in-prison/

Em nota, Embaixada da Rússia no Brasil nega homofobia do país

in: http://revistaladoa.com.br/2013/08/noticias/em-nota-embaixada-russia-no-brasil-nega-homofobia-pais

Em nota dirigida à militância gay brasileira, a Embaixada da Rússia no Brasil negou que o país promova a homofobia em suas leis ou atuação oficial. A comunicação foi resposta a uma pedido de explicações encaminhado no mês passado pela ABGLT – Associação Brasileira de Gays, Lésbicas e Transgêneros, sobre as recentes denúncias de violação de direitos humanos no país.

“Ultimamente a Embaixada, bem como as outras representações da Rússia no Brasil, têm recebido várias mensagens com a preocupação sobre a situação com a comunidade LGBT na Rússia depois a adoção da lei sobre a propaganda das relações sexuais não-tradicionais. Neste contexto queriamos comunicar o seguinte. Discriminação de qualquer gênero é proibida na Rússia a nível constitucional de acordo com os compromissos assumidos no âmbito da ONU e disposições correspondentes da Convenção Europeia dos Direitos Humanos”, diz o comunicado que ainda alega que os vídeos violentos enviados no pedido se referem a atos contra a pedofilia e não oficiais do governo russo, que não apoiam "estes radicais".

O texto ainda aponta que a legislação protege a liberdade de expressão dos LGBTs russos e demais cidadãos, cita entidades de direitos humanos do país e que a nova lei não criou uma onda de violência contra gays no país como alegado pela entidade. “As informações sobre uma “campanha da violência de grande escala” em relação às pessoas da orientação sexual não-tradicional que seguiu a adoção da lei acima mencionada não correspondem à realidade”.

Confira a nota encaminhada ao secretario da ABGLT, Toni Reis:


Ultimante a Embaixada, bem como as outras representações da Rússia no Brasil, têm recebido várias mensagens com a preocupação sobre a situação com a comunidade LGBT na Rússia depois a adoção da lei sobre a propaganda das relações sexuais não-tradicionais. Neste contexto queriamos comunicar o seguinte.
Discriminação de qualquer gênero é proibida na Rússia a nível constitucional de acordo com os compromissos assumidos no âmbito da ONU e disposições correspondentes da Convenção Europeia dos Direitos Humanos.

Parte 2 do Artigo 19 da Constituição da Federação da Rússia garante a igualdade de direitos e liberdades das pessoas e dos cidadãos, independentemente do sexo, raça, nacionalidade, língua, origem, status de propriedades e emprego, lugar de residência, relação com a religião, convicções, perecimento a associações públicas, bem como outros fatores, inclusive a orientação sexual.

A lei referida proibe somente impor atitudes sexuais não-tradicionais aos menores de idade. Isso não contradiz à Constituição russa, o que foi confirmado pelo Tribunal Constitucional da Federação da Rússia que decretou em 2010 que a família, maternidade e infância no sentido tradicional são os valores que determinam a preservação e desenvolvimento do povo multinacional da Rússia. Ademais, o nosso país, sendo o signatário da Convenção sobre os Direitos da Criança, sempre procede do princípio da melhor defesa dos interesses dos menores de idade, e a legislação russa obriga os órgãos públicos proteger crianças de informação que possa prejudicar a saúde delas, bem como desenvolvimento espiritual.

Podemos constatar que os interesses da comunidade LGBT dos cidadãos russos e dos estrangeiros são protegidos pela Constituição e leis russos. Atuam na Rússia várias organizações públicas a representarem os interesses da LGBT, inclusive a Federação do Esporte LGBT que une mais de 30 clubes esportivos. Os esportistas russos da orientação não-tradicional ganharam o 2º lugar em termos da quantidade de participantes e medalhas nos jogos europeus em Budapeste em 2012.

No que se refere à lei sobre a propaganda das relações sexuais não-tradicionais, a aplicação dela é controlada pelas cortes russas, levando em consideração o princípio constitucional de não-discriminação. A lei prevê a responsabilidade administrativa, e não penal, imposta em ordem judicial e causada somente pela violação intencional da proibição referida, sendo que a legislação russa não impede os representantes da LGBT de defender os seus direitos por meios legítimos. As informações sobre uma “campanha da violência de grande escala” em relação às pessoas da orientação sexual não-tradicional que seguiu a adoção da lei acima mencionada não correspondem à realidade.

Quanto aos links que mandou, trata-se de um grupo neonazista lutando contra pedofilia com seus próprios meios e não tem a ver com a posição oficial do governo russo, que obviamente não apoia essas medidas radicais.

Atenciosamente,
Embaixada da Rússia no Brasil

http://revistaladoa.com.br/2013/08/noticias/em-nota-embaixada-russia-no-brasil-nega-homofobia-pais

Políticos alemães defendem asilo para gays russos no país

in: http://paroutudo.com/2013/08/12/politicos-alemaes-defendem-asilo-para-gays-russos-no-pais/

A situação está tão perigosa para os LGBT da Rússia que políticos alemães importantes defendem que o país facilite o asilo para cidadãos arco-íris russos.

Markus Löning, encarregado de direitos humanos do Partido Liberal Democrático (FDP) da Alemanha, pediu, em entrevista ao jornal “Welt am Sonntag”, no domingo, 11, que os Estados alemães atendam “de forma descomplicada aos homossexuais da Rússia que procurem asilo em nosso país”.

A mesma opinião é compartilhada pelo chefe da bancada parlamentar do partido A Esquerda, Gregor Gysi, a deputada verde Marieluise Beck e a ministra da Justiça, Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger.

Segundo o site do canal “Deutsche Welle”, a ministra liberal-democrata disse que, com a “exclusão dos homossexuais”, a Rússia “está dando mais um grande passo na direção de uma perfeita ditadura”, enquanto Beck informou sobre as possibilidades legais de um asilo para homossexuais.

“Já existem hoje, na lei alemã, os critérios de perseguição por questões de gênero e não estatal”, explicou a deputada. Portanto “há uma base legal para conceder proteção na Alemanha aos homossexuais perseguidos na Rússia, após o exame individual do caso”, afirmou a parlamentar.

A Rússia tem recebido críticas de diversos chefes de Estado, como dos Estados Unidos e da Islândia, além de protestos e até um beijaço mundial, após aprovar lei que pune o que chamam de “propaganda gay” e adoção de crianças por casais homossexuais este ano.

http://paroutudo.com/2013/08/12/politicos-alemaes-defendem-asilo-para-gays-russos-no-pais/

Lady Gaga defende comunidade LGBT na Rússia

in: http://myway.pt.msn.com/noticia/lady_gaga_defende_comunidade_lgbt_na_russia_15924.aspx

Lady Gaga respondeu ao governo da Rússia, depois de este ter revelado que a cantora poderia ser investigada por ter desrespeitado as regras de visto durante o seu concerto no país. O pedido foi feito pelo criador da «lei anti-gay», que também pediu uma investigação a Madonna. No Facebook, Gaga defendeu a comunidade LGBT na Rússia e deixou a pergunta: «Porque é que não prendeste quando tiveste oportunidade, Rússia? Foi porque não queriam responder ao mundo?».

A Rússia aprovou recentemente, em várias regiões, a lei «anti-gay», contra a «propaganda de relações sexuais não tradicionais», proibindo, por exemplo, paradas gay. A lei proíbe a presença de casais estrangeiros do mesmo sexo, permitindo mesmo que a polícia detenha turistas que suspeite serem homossexuais, ou alguém que fale sobre homossexualidade às crianças. O casamento entre casais do mesmo sexo, e adopção por pessoas solteiras que venham de países onde o casamento entre pessoas do mesmo sexo seja permitido são também proibidos

Na sua página oficial de Facebook, Lady Gaga escreveu: «A enviar bravura para os LGBTs na Rússia. O crescimento do abuso governamental é arcaico. Afastar adolescentes com spray pimenta? Espancamentos? Mãe Rússia? O governo russo é criminoso. A opressão vai conhecer revolução. LGBTs da Rússia, vocês não estão sozinhos. Vamos lutar pela vossa liberdade. Porque é que não me prendeste quando tiveste oportunidade, Rússia? Porque não querias responder ao mundo?».

Lady Gaga, tal como Madonna, opuseram-se à lei que proíbe a propaganda gay durante os seus concertos em São Petersburgo, o que é ilegal no país, tendo em conta que estavam menores na plateia.

http://myway.pt.msn.com/noticia/lady_gaga_defende_comunidade_lgbt_na_russia_15924.aspx

US: Gay couple told to sit at the back of a bus for holding hands in public

in: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/08/04/us-gay-couple-told-to-sit-at-the-back-of-a-bus-for-holding-hands-in-public/





A gay couple have said that a bus driver in the US state of New Mexico told them to sit at the back of the bus because they were holding hands.

Ron McCoy and Chris Bowers had flown into Albuquerque from Portland, Oregon on 28 June, and were in New Mexico for a road trip through the South West, reports KCTV 5.

They were to attend Pride Fest in Albuquerque. The couple sat at the front of a shuttle bus when its driver noticed they were holding hands, he told them to sit at the back.

“I saw him look at us, look down at his hands and he looked so angry. He just blurted out at me, “He goes, OK if you’re going to do that,” said McCoy. “You’re going to the back of the bus.”

Because the couple did not want to cause trouble, they went to sit at the back, but did ask the driver why he had asked them to do so.

“I said ‘I think it was because you didn’t like the fact that I was holding my partner’s hand.’ He goes, ‘see now you’re telling on yourself.’ My partner responds, ‘well that’s discrimination.’ And the driver responds, ‘you’re telling on yourself again,’” he continued.

Bernadette Aguirre, who was witness to the exchange, stepped in, saying: ”I told the bus driver that I was completely appalled that anybody would be treated this way.”

McCoy said the driver then pointed to the couple and said the fact that they were holding hands was what he found appalling.

Sunport, which runs the shuttle busses said it was embarrassed by the driver’s behaviour.

“First and foremost, it’s absolutely unacceptable,” said Sunport spokesperson Dan Jiron. “We immediately got in touch with Standard Parking to assess what exactly happened. They acknowledged this was a mistake on the part of the driver.”

The couple, who say noone has attempted to contact them to issue an apology, have filed a complaint with the American Civil Liberties Union.

The shuttle bus company is now requiring all of its drivers to undergo sensitivity training.

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/08/04/us-gay-couple-told-to-sit-at-the-back-of-a-bus-for-holding-hands-in-public/

Canada: Vancouver kiss-in takes place outside Russian consulate to protest anti-gay laws

in: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/08/03/canada-vancouver-kiss-in-takes-place-outside-russian-consulate-to-protest-anti-gay-laws/

 

A kiss-in intended to show solidarity with the LGBT community in Russia in the wake of the passage of new anti-gay laws, has taken place in Vancouver outside the Russian consulate.

President Vladimir Putin signed the law in June banning the promotion of “non-traditional relationships” toward minors, a move that has been criticised as part of a broader crackdown on Russia’s gay community.

Around 50 protesters gathered outside the consulate to kiss, with both men and women engaging in same-sex kissing, which according to the new federal law would be deemed illegal.

Yogi Omar, who organised the protest said it was important that the protesters did what they did.

“Something that is considered as gay propaganda in Russia, for us here is an act of love,” he said.

Demonstrator Winifred Tovey has said she was drawn to the kiss-in in the name of global gay rights.

“I think it’s important for those of us … in this much safer society to put our solidarity into the public eye,” Tovey said.

As well as the law banning homosexual “propaganda”, Russia also recently added a law banning the adoption of Russian children by same-sex foreign couples.

Last month, speaking exclusively to PinkNews, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg urged Russia to protect the rights of LGBT citizens following concerns about gay athletes and spectators attending the 2014 Winter Olympics.

He said: “Those days should be long behind us now and for those countries and those governments and regimes who don’t see it that way I think they have to move with the times.”

An organisation representing LGBT people in Russia announced last month that it is opposed to a boycott of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics – because they say participation is an important way of highlighting injustice.

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/08/03/canada-vancouver-kiss-in-takes-place-outside-russian-consulate-to-protest-anti-gay-laws/

Threatening letters sent to lesbian couple

in: http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2013/07/22/20991881.html

This threatening letter was sent to a same-sex couple in Kingston, Ont. Click here to read the full letter.(Supplied)

 

 

Police are investigation after a same-sex couple in Kingston received two threatening letters urging them to move out of town or face violence.

Susan Belyea and Karen Dubinsky received the letter from “a small but dedicated group of Kingston residents devoted to removing the scourge of homosexuality in our city.”

“Some of the group’s younger members would have fun chasing ‘lesbos,’” the second letter stated. “We have brought them BB guns and today they are going to target practice, so they can hunt you down.”

The group said they “know (the couple) and have been following (them) for the past several weeks and we wish for you to leave this city before it’s too late,” adding that they should relocate to Vancouver or San Francisco.

“This will be the first of many reminders, each escalating to higher and higher levels of harassment and derailment,” the first letter stated.

“If you do not, and take this letter to police, as we expect, we will know about this, since we have contacts in the Kingston police. Our efforts to relocate you will escalate. We wish to avoid this scenario.”

The couple, who notified police upon receiving the letter, has also reached out to local LGBTQ activists to find more information about the assailants.

Deb Kinder, women’s community development coordinator at HIV/AIDS Regional Services, who knows the couple, posted the letters on Facebook after being told of their violent content, hoping to find the source.

“Of course I would guess whoever they might be are very cowardly because they left no way of anyone contacting them.”

This isn't the first time the LGBTQ community in Kingston has faced hatred.

On May 31, anti-gay posters were plastered downtown prior to the city’s flag raising ceremony, which marked the beginning of Pride Month in the city.

Kinder also said another same-sex couple in Kingston reached out to her and told her they had also received similar letters a few years ago.

During the pride parade this year, a woman parked a car to block the parade and refused to move when asked by police.

Despite claims in the letters of police insiders, Kingston police Chief Gilles Larochelle said the force has no connection with the group responsible for the letters, referring to the incident as “bizarre.”

A rally was held Friday in support of the couple.


 http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2013/07/22/20991881.html

Nintendo acusada de homofobia

in: http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Tecnologia/Interior.aspx?content_id=3224080



A empresa japonesa fabricante de videojogos está a ser acusada de homofobia por ter corrigido um "erro de software" que permitia o casamento homossexual num dos seus jogos.

A Nintendo classificou a possibilidade de matrimónio como "imprópria" e "estranha", o que levou à indignação nas redes sociais.

O jogo "Tomodachi Collection: New Life", lançado recentemente para a consola 3DS, é um simulador social que permite o relacionamento e posterior casamento entre dois avatares (os Miis) do sexo masculino.

Mal soube desta possibilidade, a Nintendo não tardou em classificar como "bug" (erro) esta funcionalidade, entretanto já removida pela empresa japonesa.

Numa nota lançada com a atualização do jogo, a Nintendo pediu aos jogadores que tivessem dificuldades em iniciar o jogo, mensagens de erro, a impossibilidade de gravar o jogo e "relações humanas que se tornavam estranhas", que atualizassem o jogo para eliminar estes "bugs".

Curiosamente, o "Tomodachi Collection: New Life" só permitia o casamento homosexual entre avatares masculinos. O sexo feminino ficou excluído desta opção.

A decisão da Nintendo está a causar indignação nas redes sociais e já desencadeou uma onda de protestos. A atitude da fabricante de videojogos está a ser classificada como homofóbica, no Twitter e no Facebook.

http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Tecnologia/Interior.aspx?content_id=3224080

New Zealand B and B refuses to let lesbian couple share a bed

in: http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/new-zealand-b-and-b-refuses-let-lesbian-couple-share-bed110513

A bed and breakfast travel lodge in New Zealand is facing a backlash after it turned away a lesbian couple for wanting to share a bed.

The Pilgrim Planet Lodge in Whangarei turned away Jane Collison, 30, and Paula Knight, 45, on Tuesday after telling them that only a room with single beds was available despite their having booked a room with a king-sized bed.

The couple offered to take the room but wanted to push the beds together but was told they would not be allowed to do that either.

When the couple realized that it was the owners’ religious objection to their relationship that was the issue they decided to stay elsewhere and had to drive 30 miles before they could find alternative accommodation.

‘I got very confused, but started to click about what the issue may be and said, 'Are we offending your religious beliefs', and she said “Yes and you might have to find accommodation elsewhere.”’ Collison told the New Zealand Herald on Saturday.

‘We sleep in double beds wherever we go, and she was taking that right away from me and asking us to pay to sleep in separate beds.’

Owners Michael and Karen Ruskin believe they are in their rights to force gay couples to sleep in separate beds as they believe their three story, five guest room lodge is not covered by New Zealand’s anti-discrimination laws as they live in the building and share some living spaces with their paying guests.

‘We are entitled under current legislation to discriminate on the basis of sex in shared accommodation,’ Michael Ruskin told the Herald, ‘It's my own personal integrity to say I don't want same-sex sex in my house.’

‘The Government can legislate for same-sex marriage but it can't legislate that I allow them to have their honeymoon in my home.’

Michael Ruskin said that he had allowed homosexuals to stay at the lodge in the past but only in separate beds. He did not say whether he required the same thing of unwed heterosexual couples.

However openly gay Green Party MP Kevin Hague told the Herald that the lodge was not exempt from the law as it only exempted flatmates and people living in boarding houses, not businesses being run out of people’s homes.

‘To find someone still doing it is surprising to me, and will be appalling for this couple,’ Hague said.

The couple now plan to lodge a complaint under the country’s Human Rights Act and the Ruskins have closed down the lodge’s Facebook page after it received a barrage of comments in support of the couple.

New Zealand legalized same-sex marriage in April this year and couples will begin marrying in August when the law goes into effect.

http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/new-zealand-b-and-b-refuses-let-lesbian-couple-share-bed110513

Canada: Property agent fired for distributing homophobic leaflets

in: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/05/05/canada-property-agent-fired-for-distributing-homophobic-leaflets/

A Canadian property agent has been fired for distributing leaflets that attack same-sex marriage and gay parents.

Andrew Ciastek, a sales representative for RE/MAX in Mississauga, Southern Ontario, caused anger last week by distributing a flyer which argued “Traditional family is the best for the future of the kids.”

The flyer drew on evidence from the Regnerus study on parenting, which has been criticised for using unfair research methods biased against same-sex parents.

Local resident Jon McDonald said he was furious when he discovered the flyer in his newspaper. It had been dispatched to hundreds of homes in the Port Credit and Lorne Park neighbourhoods.

He said: “My blood pressure went up 100%. I read it and thought, ‘What does this have to do with selling houses?’”

Christine Martysiewicz, RE/MAX’s director for internal and public relations in the area, said on Friday that Mr Ciastek had been fired for “poor judgment on his personal marketing”.

“We assure the general public that his actions in no way reflect RE/MAX or our associates. We’re offended by the insensitivity shown here just as much as the community is. We take pride in the diversity of our workforce and our clients,” she added.

After reading the material, Mr McDonald complained to RE/MAX, the Ontario Human Rights Commission and the Peel police diversity unit.

Mr Ciastek denies accusations of homophobia. The Star reports he said: “I didn’t want to offend anybody… I didn’t have bad intentions.”

He is slated to make an apology for the fliers, and RE/MAX have said they will make a donation to the local Peel LGBT Pride.

 

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/05/05/canada-property-agent-fired-for-distributing-homophobic-leaflets/

Teacher who said 'gays don't have a purpose' gets a rebuttal

in: http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/teacher-who-said-gays-dont-have-purpose-gets-rebuttal170213

LGBT groups in Indiana launched a 'You Have a Purpose' Facebook page as a response to the special-ed teacher who made homophobic remarks this week

Gay rights groups launched an empowerment campaign in response to the Indiana teacher who said 'gays don't have a purpose'.

Special-ed teacher Diana Medley said earlier this week that she doesn't agree with homosexuality. She was speaking on behalf of a group who wanted to host a 'traditional' prom at Indiana's Sullivan High School that wouldn't allow gay and lesbian students.

To continue encouraging LGBT youth in Indiana and abroad, a Facebook page titled 'You have a purpose' has been created where supporters can post videos with a positive and uplifting message.

Annette Gross, coordinator for Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) compared the new web page to Dan Savage's 'It Gets Better' campaign.

Gross said in an interview: 'We just want to focus on the positive, letting them (gay teens) know that they do have a purpose and there are people out there that care about them'.

The web page will not allow videos about Medley's comments or the 'traditional' prom dispute.

Gross said: 'This is about the kids. This isn't about her'.

The Facebook page, set up by the Interfaith Coalition on Non-discrimination, Indiana PFLAG, Indiana Equality Action and Fairtalk, is open to the public.

http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/teacher-who-said-gays-dont-have-purpose-gets-rebuttal170213

Boy Scouts of America delays its decision on allowing gay members to May

in: http://gaystarnews.com/article/boy-scouts-america-delays-its-decision-allowing-gay-members-may060213

Board says it needs more time 'due to the complexity of this issue'

The national board of the Boys Scouts of America on Wednesday (6 February) delayed a decision of whether or not to end its controversial ban on gay members and leaders.

The BSA said in a statement that 'after careful consideration and extensive dialogue' within the organization along with outside comments, the board concluded 'that due to the complexity of this issue, the organization needs time for a more deliberate review of its membership policy.'

The approximately 1,400 voting members of the National Council will revisit the issue at its annual meeting in May.

The board is considering a proposal that would allow openly gay people to participate in scouting. But the end of the national restriction regarding sexual orientation would not put an end to the ban on gays completely. Local chapters would still have the ability to not allow gay scouts or leaders.

'Scouting has received an outpouring of feedback from the American public,' the BSA stated. 'It reinforces how deeply people care about Scouting and how passionate they are about the organization.'

During an interview on the CBS newsmagazine 60 Minutes on Sunday (3 February), President Barack Obama spoke out in favor of allowing gays into the Scouts.

In contrast, such religious conservatives as televangelist Pat Robertson, former US Senator Rick Santorum and Texas Governor Rick Perry has spoken out against dropping the ban predicting great doom for the organization if it allows gays to participate openly.

The delay is a major disappointment to activists who have been pushing for much of the past year for a change in the anti-gay policy.

'A scout is supposed to be brave, and the Boy Scouts failed to be brave today,' said Jennifer Tyrrell, who launched a Change.org petition last year after she was removed as a leader of her son's local troop because she is a lesbian.

'The Boy Scouts had the chance to help countless young people and devoted parents, but they've failed us yet again,' Tyrrell said in a statement released through the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. 'No parent should have to look their child in the eye and explain that the Boy Scouts don't want us.'

GLAAD President Herndon Graddick said: 'The Boy Scouts of America is choosing to ignore the cries of millions, including religious institutions, current scouting families, and corporate sponsors, but these cries will not be silenced. We're living in a culture where hurting young gay people because of who they are is unpopular and discriminatory.'

In addition to pressure from activists, the BSA has also lost the support of several corporate donors because of the anti-gay policy.

According to the BSA website, there are over 300 local councils in the US Scouts for Equality reports that 11 councils, serving over 260,000 Scouts, have already taken a stand against the organization's anti-gay policies.

 

 

http://gaystarnews.com/article/boy-scouts-america-delays-its-decision-allowing-gay-members-may060213

Bakery refuses to make wedding cake for lesbian couple

in: http://gaystarnews.com/article/bakery-refuses-make-wedding-cake-lesbian-couple040213


Oregon bakery owner refused couple saying 'marriage is a religious institution ordained by God'

An Oregon bakery owner is in trouble after refusing to make a wedding cake for a lesbian couple.

On 17 January, a mother and daughter showed up at Sweet Cakes by Melissa looking for the perfect wedding cake.

Speaking to King5.com, owner Aaron Klein said: ‘My first question is what’s the wedding date.

‘My next question is bride and groom’s name…the girl giggled a little bit and said it’s two brides.’

Klein told the women the company does not make cakes for same-sex marriages. The women were disgusted and walked out according to the owner.

‘I believe that marriage is a religious institution ordained by God,’ said Klein. ‘A man should leave his mother and father and cling to his wife…that to me is the beginning of marriage.’

As soon as the story hit local media, numerous people blasted the Kleins online and in person.

What the owner wanted to make clear is he and his wife do not hate homosexuals.

‘They can buy my stuff,’ he said. ‘I’ll sell them stuff…I’ll talk to them, it’s fine.’

‘I’d rather have my kids see their dad stand up for what he believes in then to see him bow down because one person complained.

The Oregon Department of Justice are currently investigating the bakery because they may have violated one of the US state’s anti-discrimination laws.

It is in Oregon where a bullied 15-year-old teen hanged himself on an elementary school playground two weeks ago. He died yesterday (3 February).

 

 

http://gaystarnews.com/article/bakery-refuses-make-wedding-cake-lesbian-couple040213

Rutgers University to open student wellbeing center named for Tyler Clementi

in: http://gaystarnews.com/article/rutgers-university-open-student-wellbeing-center-named-tyler-clementi020213






Rutgers University announces the creation of a center for student wellbeing and suicide prevention named for student Tyler Clementi who killed himself in 2010 after being outed by a roommate

New Jersey’s Rutgers University will honor the memory of Tyler Clementi with a center for student welfare and suicide prevention.

Clementi killed himself in September of 2010 by jumping off the George Washington Bridge into the Hudson River after he was secretly filmed kissing another man and then outed online by roommate Dharun Ravi.

The announcement will be formally announced at a dedication ceremony on Moday which will be attended by New Jersey congressmen Frank Pallone Jr and Rush Holt – both Democrats – along with the university’s executive vice president for academic affairs Richard L Edwards.

The Tyler Clementi Center is a collaborative effort between Rutgers University and the Tyler Clementi Foundation and according to the university ‘will draw from academic disciplines across the university and throughout the nation to create new programs and approaches to address issues that confront young people – specifically youth making the transition from home to college.’

‘The center will offer lectures, symposia and training on such topics as the use and misuse of new technologies and social media; youth suicide – particularly among LGBTQ youth and other young people – during the transition to adulthood; adjustment and assimilation into college life; bullying and cyberbullying; and understanding and promoting safe and inclusive social environments,’ the university said in a statement.

‘The goal of the center is to provide scholarly support for the work of policymakers, social activists, community leaders and other advocates for vulnerable youth.’

The Tyler Clementi Center will be headed by Rutgers University associate professor of social work Jeff Longhorn and the executive director of the university’s Center for Applied Psychology Susan Furrer.

Tyler’s mother, Jane Clementi, told the New York Times that she felt ‘bittersweet’ about the announcement.

‘It calls up a lot of pain and sadness, but at the same time it gives me some hope that I can be part of a better future for someone else,’ Clementi told the New York Times.

‘There are other Tylers out there, but they won’t have to go through what Tyler went through.’

The center’s first projects will be a lecture in March on growing up in the digital world and hosting a conference on transgender issues in April.

 

http://gaystarnews.com/article/rutgers-university-open-student-wellbeing-center-named-tyler-clementi020213

NFL player Chris Culliver to undergo sensitivity training for homophobic comments

in: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/02/02/nfl-player-chris-culliver-to-undergo-sensitivity-training-for-homophobic-comments/

 
Chris Culliver is to undergo sensitivity training after saying gay players weren't welcome (Image: Twitter)

San Francisco 49ers player, Chris Culliver, who earlier this week said there were no gay players on the team, and if there were, they wouldn’t be welcome, is to begin sensitivity training following this weekend’s Super Bowl.

Culliver is to begin the sensitivity training and education and then begin volunteer work with at-risk gay youths nationwide, the Associated Press reports.

Earlier this week, Chris Culliver, who is set to play for the San Francisco 49ers in this weekend’s Super Bowl said in an interview that he didn’t think there were any gay players on his team, and that they wouldn’t be welcome if there were.

Mr Culliver since apologised, and said his comments were “hurtful and ugly”, and said they didn’t reflect his true feelings on the issue.

“[I was] really just not thinking. [It was] something that I thought. Definitely nothing that I felt in my heart,” Culliver said.

The cornerback is to start working with the Trevor Project, a US LGBT suicide prevention organisation, said public relations rep, Theodore Palmer.

Palmer said that Culliver would spend time at a crisis centre in San Francisco.

Openly gay former 49ers player, Kwame Harris, also spoke out about the comments made by Culliver prior to his apology being issued.

Mr Harris told NBC: ”It’s surprising that in 2013 Chris Culliver would use his 15 minutes to spread vitriol and hate. I recognize that these are comments that he may come to regret and that he may come to see that gay people are not so different than straight people.”

Earlier this week, Mr Harris was charged with felony domestic violence and assault charges involving a former boyfriend.

San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh said the comments were not acceptable.

“We reject what he said. That’s not something that reflects the way the organization feels, the way most of the players feel,” Harbaugh said.

A statement from Mr Culliver’s team condemned his comments: “The San Francisco 49ers reject the comments that were made yesterday, and have addressed the matter with Chris. There is no place for discrimination within our organization at any level. We have and always will proudly support the LGBT community.”

 

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/02/02/nfl-player-chris-culliver-to-undergo-sensitivity-training-for-homophobic-comments/

US gays join Russian campaign against propaganda law

in: http://gaystarnews.com/article/us-gays-join-russian-anti-homophobia-campaign270113


Gay rights advocates in San Francisco, California, are the latest LGBT Americans
and allies to protest Russia's gay gag law with a photo campaign

 

American allies are joining forces the Russian LGBT community in a new photo campaign to protest Russia's anti-gay propaganda bill.

Mike Petrelis, San Francisco-based blogger and gay rights advocate (pictured), has joined other Americans in the 'I am Not Propaganda' campaign started by Coming Out, an LGBT organization based in St. Petersburg, and OutLoudMag.ru

A Russian policeman, a Christian straight man and a teacher are some of the hundreds of individuals who've contributed photos of themselves holding signs that read: 'I am ______ and I oppose homophobia'.

The photo campaign comes as Russia's State Duma voted in favor of the new law on Friday (25 January), which forbids 'homosexual propaganda' to minors which it links to pedophilia.

On Thursday (25 January) the Kaliningrad region, with a population of almost a million, became the 10th Russian region to pass a law. The Kaliningrad governor just needs to sign the bill in order for it to become law.

According to the Coming Out website, the campaign challenges the moral grounds of the anti-gay propaganda bill.

The website reads: 'Champions of morality and the "children's rights advocates" in Russia have consistently indicated that Russian society is traditionally against homosexuals. Authors of the campaign ask the question: is this true? Does the Russian society really believe gays and lesbians should be persecuted?'

To view the photos that have been submitted so far, visit OutLoudMag.ru.

To contribute your own photo to the online campaign, take a picture of yourself holding a sign that reads 'Я человек а не пропаганд', which translates to 'I am a human being and not propaganda'. Submit your photo to yanepropagnda@gmail.com.

http://gaystarnews.com/article/us-gays-join-russian-anti-homophobia-campaign270113

Boy Scout troop succumbs to pressure, removes gay-friendly statement from website

in: http://gaystarnews.com/article/boy-scout-troop-succumbs-pressure-removes-gay-friendly-statement-website270113

Threatened with losing its charter, Pack 442 took down an online clause that said they 'will not discriminate against any individual or family based on sexual orientation'

Boy Scouts of America pressured a Maryland troop to drop a gay-friendly policy this week.

In summer 2012 Pack 442 of Cloverly, Maryland updated their website by adding a non-discrimination declaration on their website that read: ''Pack 442 WILL NOT discriminate against any individual or family based on race, religion, national origin, ability, or sexual orientation.'

Even though the troop's members voted online last year to keep the policy, National Capital Area Council (NCAC), the regional division of Boy Scouts of America which oversees Pack 442, threatened to cut off access to funds and privileges unless the statement was taken down.

Troop 442 had until yesterday (26 January) to respond.

A statement on the site now reads: Due to pressure from the National Capital Area Council of BSA, Pack 442 was forced to remove its Non-Discrimination statement in order to keep our Charter (set to expire Jan 31st). This Non-Discrimination statement, previously posted here, welcomed ALL families'.

'Pack 442 will continue to provide a wonderful and enriching program for scouts and families in the community'.

Pack 442's non-discrimination clause was in direct conflict with the Boy Scouts of America long-standing policy that forbids openly gay Scouts or leaders.

http://gaystarnews.com/article/boy-scout-troop-succumbs-pressure-removes-gay-friendly-statement-website270113

Rússia aprova homofobia

in: http://pt.euronews.com/2013/01/25/homofobia-ganha-forca-de-lei-na-russia/

A Duma aprovou em primeira leitura a lei anti propaganda gay.

Em nome da tradição e da defesa dos jovens russos foi a igreja ortodoxa russa que propôs o texto para repressão da homossexualidade em todo o país.

A legislação visa impedir qualquer informação que possa ser definida como propaganda, inclui a proibição de eventos públicos que promovam os direitos dos homossexuais. São Petersburgo e uma série de outras cidades russas já têm leis semelhantes.

O Ministério da Defesa russo recomenda ao Exército de examinarem as tatuagens de novos recrutas para verificarem “vestígios de homossexualidade“ e determinar a sua saúde mental.

O investigador independente Denis Volkov, sociólogo do Centro Levada, considrera que o projeto de lei se encaixa na lógica do governo de limitar diferentes direitos civis e humanos.

“Ao aceitar essas leis e outras semelhantes, as leis restritivas e proibitivas, o estado tem como alvo limitar a maioria das leis progressistas da sociedade”.


Pela oposição a legislação anti-homossexual, faz parte de uma ofensiva do Kremlin contra as minorias de qualquer espécie – política, religiosa e sexual – e projetado para desviar a atenção pública do crescente descontentamento com o governo de Putin.

http://pt.euronews.com/2013/01/25/homofobia-ganha-forca-de-lei-na-russia/